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National & Regional Parks

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National & Regional Parks

Japan’s 34 national parks (国立公園, Kokuritsu Kōen) stretch the length and breadth of the country.

The first national parks were established in 1934, and unlike in some other countries, are not completely on government-owned land - in particular, Shintō shrines had laid claims to the mountains long ago. Japan’s NPs include towns, resorts, shrines, temples, farmland and pretty much whatever was within their boundaries when they were established.

When travelling around, you often won’t have a clue that you’ve entered a national park and you won’t be charged a park entry fee.

Outisde the National Parks

Below the national parks in status are 58 Quasi-national Parks ( 国定公園, Kokutei Kōen) and lots of prefectural parks, run by the 47 prefectures.

An estimated 14% of Japan’s land area is ‘protected’.

Japan has 25 UNESCO World Heritage-listed places, 20 Cultural and 5 Natural.

Futher info

National Parks of Japan@JNTO

Ministry of the Environment: NPs of Japan

Akan Mashu NP 阿寒摩周国立公園

Ainu culture, onsen, lakes & hiking

Daisetsuzan NP 大雪山国立公園

Japan’s largest national park; ‘rooftop of Hokkaidō’

Shiretoko NP 知床国立公園

World Heritage NP with bears!

Image by Paula Piccard